JPP focused on returning at 100 percent

DE Jason Pierre-Paul said today he is focused on coming back when he is 100 percent healthy

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Jason Pierre-Paul said today he is not obsessing about returning in time to play in the Giants’ regular-season opener on Sept. 8 in Dallas. Rather, he is focused on rehabbing and getting better one day at time.

“At the end of the day, you know that your coaches and general manager and head coach want you out there, to help the team out, but, it’s all on me,” said the two-time Pro Bowl defensive end. I’m focused on coming back 100 percent, not being like 85 percent. And I know I’m going to be a big factor of the defense, so I’d rather come back 100% and that’s it.

“I already know that the D-Line that we have here is going to go out and get the job done. And I’m very confident that Kiwi (Mathias Kiwanuka), (Justin) Tuck, all of them get the job done and that’s all it takes. They don’t really need me out there right now and I’m just going to focus on my recovery. Everything will be all right.”

Pierre-Paul was asked to react to a comment made by general manager Jerry Reese, who told WFAN this morning, “We expect him to hopefully be back, ready to go for the Dallas game.”

The fourth-year pro underwent surgery on June 4 to repair a herniated disk in his back. He has been diligently rehabbing and is currently on the physically unable to perform list.

“He’s done exactly what he’s been asked to do, and I’d say he’s making good progress,” coach Tom Coughlin said.

Pierre-Paul is not waiting for a team physical to tell him he’s ready to starting practicing.

“It’s not really the doctor’s decision,” Pierre-Paul said. “I say it’s not the doctor’s decision anymore because it’s basically on me. It all depends on my recovery and how my back feels and if I can go out there and practice with the team. But I’m going to have to get a couple practices in before, if, I decide to come back before the first game. I already know I’m going to be taking on two guys, double team, triple team maybe, so I’m not in a rush to come back and put myself in that position.”

JPP has no apparent target date for his return. The feeling in his back will let him know when the time is right to step on the field.

“It’s basically how my back feels,” Pierre-Paul said. “And right now I’m still at that stage that I know I can’t go out there and perform. So I’m not going to try and rush back. Like I say, it’s up to me and my recovery is coming along and right now my recovery is coming along perfectly fine. I’m getting better every day, like I said, and it’s basically up to me, you know? When I feel comfortable going out there and taking on blocks and ready to run like the wind again, that’s when I’ll be out there. But right now, I’m just taking it day by day.”